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Experience is worth it

Mike Di Meglio and Xavier Simeon at the first corner at the Red Bull Ring

The second race of the MotoE World Cup at the Austrian Red Bull Ring circuit finished in the following order: Mike Di Meglio (EG0,0 Marc VDS), Xavier Simeon (Avintia Esponsorama Racing), e Bradley Smith (One Energy Racing). The race ran on the wet track due to the rain that fell before the race while the three free sessions and the E-pole took place on a completely dry track. Just before the start, the mechanics mounted the rain tires and in a few moments they came up with a wet set-up. To emerge on the track were three long-experienced drivers who have competed in all types of conditions in their careers.

Alex De Angelis during the Austrian race

Behind them two other riders that have spent many years in the world championship: Alex De Angelis e Sete Gibernau. Among them, the first young driver at the finish line, Mattero Ferrari, class of '97. During the race, young and fast drivers were seen: Eric Granado gained 8 positions in 2 laps and went on top of the race, Hector Garzo recovered well until he was very close to Di Meglio. But both ended up on the ground betrayed by the wet and slippery asphalt and the desire to win. Also Niki Tuuli, the winner of the race in Germany, made a mistake at the first lap which cost him the leadership of the general standings.

Sete Giberanu is learning the "elbow down" riding style

La MotoE it is a new category and the riders are still looking for a riding style to make the most of the bike's characteristics. To make everything even more difficult are the few test sessions available. There are a few test laps and in that short time you have to understand everything: where is the limit and what is the risk to approach it. Judging from what we have seen so far, the experience of the veterans paid more than the vigor of the young. Both in Germany and in Austria we have seen good comebacks of old riders (competitive speaking), who may not have the best time in qualifying but who are able to give their best in the race on Sunday. People who know that races are not won on the first lap, not even sprints, and that points do matter and count at the end of the championship. “These are the days that will make a difference at the end of the season in Valencia,” said Bradley Smith after the Austrian race.

Bradley Smith on the track at the Red Bull Ring

Even though he is only 28 years old, Smith can now be considered a veteran for his long experience in MotoGP, a class he still attends as an Aprilia tester. Di Meglio and Simeon have raced in the world championship for years and currently participate in the endurance world championship where, in the same race, it is necessary to adapt to changes in the track within 8 hours (when they are not 24 like in Le Mans). This certainly helped them find those as-yet-unwritten references in a whole new category. The next appointment is in a month in Misano to see if the youngest riders of the MotoE they will be able to bridge the gap with their more experienced colleagues.